Orlando Drug Possession Lawyer

Being arrested for drug possession in Florida can trigger immediate anxiety and uncertainty about your future. Even seemingly minor possession charges can result in serious consequences—including jail time, substantial fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment opportunities, housing applications, and professional licensing for years to come. The severity of these penalties increases dramatically based on the type of substance, quantity possessed, and your prior criminal history.

At The Wiseman Law Firm, we provide strategic and aggressive defense representation for clients facing drug possession charges throughout Orlando and Central Florida. With over two decades of criminal defense experience, drug crimes attorney Simon Wiseman understands the complexities of Florida drug laws and the devastating impact a conviction can have on your life. As a former prosecutor, he knows exactly how the state builds these cases—and how to effectively challenge them.

Understanding Florida Drug Possession Charges

Drug possession charges in Florida fall under Statute 893.13 and vary widely in severity depending on several factors. Possession can be charged as either “actual possession” (the substance was found on your person) or “constructive possession” (you had knowledge of and control over the substance, even if not physically on you).

The penalties for drug possession in Florida depend primarily on:

• The type of controlled substance (marijuana, cocaine, heroin, prescription medications, etc.)
• The quantity possessed
• Whether there is evidence of intent to sell or distribute
• Your prior criminal history
• Location of the arrest (near schools, parks, or other protected zones)

For example, simple possession of marijuana under 20 grams is typically charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, possession of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or other “harder” drugs is charged as a third-degree felony, carrying potential penalties of up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Prescription drug possession without a valid prescription can also result in serious felony charges. Florida law treats unauthorized possession of controlled prescription medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax, or Adderall with the same severity as illegal substances.

Effective Defense Strategies for Drug Possession Cases

Our experienced Orlando defense attorneys examine every aspect of your case to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Many drug possession cases hinge on whether law enforcement conducted a legal search and seizure, making this a critical area of focus in our defense strategy.

Some of the most effective defenses in drug possession cases include:

Fourth Amendment Violations

We carefully scrutinize whether police had proper legal grounds for the initial stop, search, or arrest. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated through an illegal search of your person, vehicle, or property, we may be able to suppress the evidence obtained, potentially leading to dismissed charges.

Challenging Constructive Possession

In cases where drugs were found in a shared space (like a vehicle with multiple occupants or a shared residence), the prosecution must prove you had both knowledge of and control over the substances. We often successfully argue that the state cannot establish these elements beyond a reasonable doubt.

Questioning Chain of Custody

Drug evidence must maintain a documented chain of custody from seizure through testing. We examine whether proper procedures were followed and whether there were any breaks in this chain that could compromise the evidence’s integrity.

Alternative Resolution Programs

For many first-time offenders, we can often negotiate entry into pretrial diversion programs or drug court. These alternatives focus on treatment rather than punishment and can result in charges being dismissed upon successful completion.

Why You Need Specialized Representation

Drug possession cases involve nuanced legal principles regarding search and seizure, constitutional rights, and complex statutory interpretations. Generic legal representation often fails to identify crucial defense opportunities specific to drug cases.

The Wiseman Law Firm brings specialized experience in handling drug possession cases throughout Central Florida. We understand the technical and procedural aspects of these cases, from challenging field testing methods to navigating the intricacies of Florida’s drug statutes.

Our approach is always tailored to your specific circumstances. We consider factors like your prior record, personal situation, and goals to develop a defense strategy aligned with your best interests—whether that means aggressively fighting the charges or negotiating for minimal consequences and rehabilitation opportunities.

Contact an Experienced Orlando Drug Possession Defense Attorney

If you’ve been charged with drug possession in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida, quickly securing the counsel of an experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney is essential. The early stages of your case are critical, and the actions you take now can significantly impact the final outcome.

The Wiseman Law Firm provides dedicated, knowledgeable defense representation for those facing drug possession charges. We understand what’s at stake and work tirelessly to protect your rights, freedom, and future. Don’t face these serious charges alone—contact us today at (407) 420-4647 or through our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.

Contact us for a free initial consultation so we can begin aggressively representing you.